City seeks vendor for off-road park

Off-road motorcycle riders could be back on the dirt tracks of the city’s Honor Farm property this spring under a proposal unveiled by city officials on Monday.

Steven Meier, director of the Pueblo Parks and Recreation, said request for proposals will go out in the next 30 days to find a contractor to operate a 75-acre parcel of land of the Honor Farm property for off-road enthusiasts.

He said city officials will hold a meeting at the Honor Farm site for potential contractors and motorcycle riders prior to issuing the RFP to give them an idea of what the property looks like.

The goal is to have a bid awarded by May and soon after have the property available for motorcycle riders, Meier said.

City Council closed off the Honor Farm land in December after it was determined the city had not been keeping up on its obligation to protect the prairie grassland as part of its designation as a conservation easement.

Meier told a group of about 35 off-road enthusiasts Monday of the city’s plan to move forward with opening a portion of the property to riders by the spring.

In the meantime, Meier said city officials will engage in talks with the Colorado State Parks regarding the possibility of obtaining additional state land for riders in the future.

Several riders at the meeting expressed disappointment in the 75-acre parcel the city selected for use, claiming it is too flat and too small.

“We don’t have to use that exact area. It’s very negotiable,” Meier said.

He added the goal is to acquire a larger area in the future.

“We want to get something out there now so you can ride. This will buy us time to work with the state.”